Workers’ Compensation for Construction Accidents

Chicago summertime is synonymous with construction…everywhere. While it is an inconvenience for some, it is the livelihood of many. As of 2024, there are over 27,000 people employed in construction in Chicago.  

These workers put their lives at risk each day on construction sites, one of the most dangerous workplaces in America. Construction accidents are very common, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the construction industry has one of the highest rates of fatal injuries in the U.S.  

If you are a construction worker, it is important that you know your rights before you enter the construction site.   

The Fatal Four  

 Construction has the second most workplace deaths of all industries. A recent study shows that among U.S. workers, construction accounts for 21% of all deaths.  The majority of deadly construction accidents are falls, electrocutions, struck by an object, and caught in or between objects. These four accident-types have been infamously coined as the “fatal four.” 

Examples of “Fatal Four” incidents are: 

• Electrocutions: Improper extension cord use, contact with energized sources, or contact with live overhead power lines. 

• Falls: A slip-and-fall on a spilled chemical, a fall from unsecured scaffolding, or a fall off of a ladder. 

• Struck-by Incidents: Being hit by a moving vehicle or piece of heavy equipment, a load of materials falling, or accidental nail gun discharges . 

• Caught in or between Incidents: Being trapped between a moving vehicle and a wall, tipping over in an over-loaded piece of equipment, or getting stuck in an uncovered trench. 

These incidents account for 65.5% of construction deaths and are the areas that need the most improvement in safety standards. 

While OSHA is working to improve these conditions by regulating safety standards such as fall protection and communication, construction continues to have high fatality rates.  

Construction Site Conditions 

Construction sites can often have dangerous conditions that lead to severe injury or death.  Conditions such as the presence of heavy machinery, electrical work, and harmful chemicals significantly increase the risk of these injuries occurring. While it may be a hazard of the job, you still have workers’ rights.

Residential and commercial job sites are legally required to maintain safe conditions on worksites for their employees and the public. If a construction site fails to uphold safety standards, or fails to warn employees of potentially dangerous conditions, they are considered negligent. If you are harmed due to the negligence of a construction site, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation.  

Your Workers’ Compensation Case 

Construction accidents can be life-altering and traumatic, but you have options. If you are injured on the job, you could have a workers’ compensation case. Each year, an average of  $7.87 billion of workers’ compensation costs are spent on construction injuries.  

If you or a loved one has suffered from a construction accident resulting in injury or wrongful death, you deserve justice. Obtaining a personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyer is vital to your case. A lawyer will help you navigate this sensitive time and make sure you are receiving maximum benefits.  

Construction workers put their lives on the line each day to improve our communities. They deserve to be protected and safe.  The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm has over 30 years of experience specializing in only personal injury and workers’ compensation. We will fight for you and give you a voice against insurance companies.  Call us at 888-7-Hammer (888-742-6637) today for a free case assessment.